Leg tuck exercise training and resistance device

ABSTRACT

A leg tuck exercise training and resistance device that can be mounted to stabilized objects to allow a user to improve muscle strength and coordination over time when performing a leg tuck exercise is disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention concerns a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device that can be mounted to stabilized objects to allow a user to improve muscle strength and coordination over time when performing a leg tuck exercise.

BACKGROUND

The leg tuck has traditionally been a part of the Army Combat Fitness Test as a means to measure a person's muscular strength and endurance. The leg tuck exercise requires one to use a combination of grip strength, upper body muscles, abdominal muscles, as well as front leg muscles to complete. The leg tuck exercise has been known to be extremely difficult to perform for individuals who have less upper body and abdominal strength as one must hang from a pull-up bar and curl one's body in such a way as to allow one's knees to touch one's elbows, returning then to a straight-arm hang from the pull-up bar.

The Army has provided official instructions to assist individuals with completing the leg tuck exercise properly.

-   -   You will assume a straight-arm hand on the bar with feet off the         ground and uncrossed. You must use the alternating grip, with         the dominant hand closest to the head. Your body will be         perpendicular to the bar. Your elbows will be straight. Your         feet cannot contact the ground or the pull-up/climbing bar         during the event. In the command “Go,” you will flex at the         elbows, knees, hips, and waist to raise your knees. Your elbows         must flex. They cannot remain fully extended or straight. The         right and left knees or thighs must touch the right and left         elbows respectively. Your grader must observe both of the knees         or the front of the thighs contacting both elbows.     -   You will return under control to the straight-arm hang position         to complete each repetition. If your elbows remain bent in the         straight-arm hang position, that repetition will not count. You         do not have to be completely still in the straight-arm hang         position, but deliberate, active swinging of the trunk and legs         to assist with the upward movement is not permitted. Small,         inconsequential or passive movement of the body and twisting of         the trunk is permitted. Your grader will assist with controlling         these movements if they become excessive. You may rest in the         straight-arm hang position. The event will be terminated when         you voluntarily stop by dropping from the bar or if you use the         ground to rest or push up from to complete a repetition.

The leg tuck exercise is challenging for those who do not have grip strength, upper body strength, or abdominal core strength. In order to increase the chance of success of correctly completing a leg tuck repetition, individuals have traditionally trained in increasing strength in the primary areas (grip strength, upper body strength, or abdominal core strength) separately. By way of example, exercises that may increase one's grip strength include deadlifts, farmer carry, flexed-arm hangs from a pull-up bar, and bent over rows. Exercises that include upper body (arm) strength include chin-ups and pull ups. Likewise, exercises that increase one's abdominal core strength and hip flexor strength include sit ups, crunches, and hollow-body holds.

While a plethora of prior art disclose devices and apparatus aimed to increase user's grip strength, upper body strength, or abdominal core strength, these disclosers do not allow for a user to simultaneously improve a user's grip strength, upper body strength, abdominal core strength, and coordination over time when performing a leg tuck exercise.

One illustrative attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0115683 A1, which generally discloses a pull-up bar. While this disclosure does provide for a means to improve a user's upper body strength, it limits the user to only perform pull-ups or push-ups and does not assist in the improvement of a user's grip strength or abdominal core strength.

Another illustrative attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,295,871 B2 and 9,289,643 B2, which generally disclose a means for a user to improve upper body strength while limiting the amount a body weight a user will be required to lift. While this disclosure does provide a means for a user to improve upper body strength, abdominal strength, and even hip flexor strength, it does not allow for the improvement of a user's grip strength as the user's weight is offset by the resistance bands required to operate the apparatus.

Yet another attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 10,758,768, which generally discloses an ergonomic strength conditioning grip. While this disclosure does provide for an apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles that improve a user's grip strength, it again limits the user to only perform grip strength conditioning exercises and does not assist in the improvement of a user's upper body strength or abdominal core strength.

Various attempts have been made to solve the problems which may be found in the related art but have been unsuccessful. Therefore, a need exists for a new a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device that can be mounted to stabilized objects to allow a user to improve muscle strength and coordination over time when performing a leg tuck exercise, thereby avoiding the challenges and problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth.

Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as exercise, elongated elastic band, resistance, workout, anchor, and handle, etc., are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to “elastic,” latex, synthetic rubber, or any other polymer with similar properties are also contemplated by the present invention. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein. Also, while the invention will be described in connection with leg tuck exercises, it is understood that the invention is not limited in scope to use with leg tuck exercises, and in settings other than a pull-up bar.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention provides a novel solution for a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to allow a user to improve muscle strength and coordination over time when performing a leg tuck exercise.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

The present invention comprises a stabilizing suspension member configured to removably affix to a cylindrical bar, a plurality of carabiners, a plurality of elastic resistance bands, a waist belt, a left thigh belt, and a right thigh belt. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a user may utilize the present invention by removably attaching the waist belt and the thigh belts to the user's body. A user may then use the carabiners to attach the preferred number of elastic resistance bands to waist and thigh belts. When the user is ready to perform a leg tuck exercise, the user may removably affix the stabilizing suspension member to a cylindrical bar and then commence the exercise.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a means for a user to improve the user's ability to perform the leg tuck exercise unassisted over time. The plurality of elastic resistance bands come in a variety of lengths and resistance strengths. In some embodiments, a user may adjust the muscle stabilizing features of the present invention by adjusting the points of elastic resistance band connection between the stabilizing suspension member and the waist belt, the thigh belts and the waist belt, or the thigh belts and the stabilizing suspension member. By way of non-limiting example, and as detailed in FIG. 4, a user may employ the present invention by using a combination of the thigh belts and two elastic resistance bands extending from the thigh belts to the stabilizing suspension member for limited resistance. By way of another non-limiting example, a user may employ a combination of the waist belt, the thigh belts, two elastic resistance bands connecting the thigh belts to the waist belt, and an elastic resistance band extending from the waist belt to the stabilizing suspension member for maximum resistance.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in terms of the components and configurations, it is understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to those specific dimensions or configurations but is to be accorded the full breadth and scope of the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B shows a front view of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative view of alternative configurations of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective leg tuck exercise resistance device and method of using the same.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.

It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.

Turning attention to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive a leg tuck exercise resistance device 100 comprising a waist belt 101, at least one elastic resistance band 102, a stabilizing suspension member 103, at least one carabiner 104, and a leg strap for the right 105 a and left 105 b legs.

With respect to FIG. 2A, a front view of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive that the stabilizing suspension member 103 comprises a strap 201 and a buckle 202 allowing for a carabiner 104 to removably attach to the stabilizing suspension member 103. A viewer may also perceive that each elastic resistance band 102, 208 a, 208 b comprises of a buckle on the proximal end 209 and the distal end 210 of each elastic resistance band 102, 208 a, 208 b. A viewer may also perceive that the buckle on the proximal end 209 and the distal end 210 of central elastic resistance band 102 may be removably coupled to the carabiner 104 of the stabilizing suspension member 103 as well as the carabiner 203 of the waist belt 101. The point of connection between the carabiner 203 coupled to the distal end 210 of the central elastic resistance band 102 and the waist belt 101 is through at least one loop 204 that is fixedly connected to the waist belt 101.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the right thigh belt 105 a and the left thigh belt 105 b may be coupled to the distal end of an elastic resistance band 208 a, 208 b to at least one loop 207 of the right thigh belt 105 a and the left thigh belt 105 b. As seen in further detail in FIG. 3, the waist belt 101 may be removably coupled to the right thigh belt 105 a and the left thigh belt 105 b through a male-female buckle system and a strap 206 a, 206 b.

With respect to FIG. 2B, a front view of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive that a user may couple a right thigh elastic resistance band 212 a and a left thigh elastic resistance band 212 b to at least one loop 204 of the waist belt 101 by and through a plurality of carabiners 213 a, 213 b.

Moving attention to FIG. 3 an illustrative view of alternative configurations of a leg tuck exercise training and resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. A viewer may perceive that the present invention may be utilized in a variety of configurations while using elastic resistance bands of maximum resistance 303 moderate resistance 304 and limited resistance 305. By way of non-limited example, and as shown further in FIG. 4, the resistance bands of maximum resistance 303 moderate resistance 304 and limited resistance 305 may be coupled to the right thigh belt 105 a and the left thigh belt 105 b and the waist belt 101 or the stabilizing suspension member 103 by and through connections between the plurality of carabiners, the proximal and distal ends of the elastic resistance bands, and the loops located on the waist belt 101 and the right thigh belt 105 a and the left thigh belt 105 b.

In some embodiments, the waist belt 101 may be removably coupled to the right thigh belt 105 a and the left thigh belt 105 b through a strap 206 a, 206 b whereby the proximal end 303 a, 303 b of the strap 206 a, 206 b is fixedly connected to the waist belt 101 and the distal end 301 a, 301 b of the strap 206 a, 206 b comprises a female buckle member 304. The corresponding male buckle member 302 is fixedly connected to the right thigh belt 105 a and the left thigh belt 105 b.

As may be generally perceived in FIG. 4, and by way of non-limited example, a user may employ the present invention by using a combination of the thigh belts and two elastic resistance bands extending from the thigh belts to the stabilizing suspension member for limited resistance. The illustrative view 401 depicts how a user may employ the limited resistance band 305. The illustrative view 402 depicts how a user may employ the moderate resistance band 304. The illustrative view 403 depicts how a user may employ the maximum resistance band 303.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.

While the present invention generally described herein has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A leg tuck exercise training and resistance device comprising: a stabilizing handle having a suspension member, a strap, and at least one buckle; a plurality of resistance bands each comprising a proximal end and a distal end whereby a ring buckle is located on the proximal end and a ring buckle is located on the distal end; a waist belt having at least two intermediate straps and a plurality of securing rings that are fixedly connected to the waist belt; a right thigh belt having a plurality of securing rings that are fixedly connected to the right thigh belt; a left thigh belt having a plurality of securing rings that are fixedly connected to the left thigh belt; and a plurality of spring-loaded metal loop shackles.
 2. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby the proximal end of the at least two intermediate straps are fixedly connected to the waist belt and extend downward.
 3. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby the distal end of the at least two intermediate straps comprise a female member of a joining device.
 4. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby the right thigh belt has a male member of a joining device that is configured to couple to one of the at least two intermediate straps of the west belt.
 5. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby the left thigh belt has a male member of a joining device that is configured to couple to one of the at least two intermediate straps of the west belt.
 6. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one of the plurality of elastic resistance bands are configured to removably couple to the buckle of the stabilizing handle on the proximal end and at least one securing ring of the waist belt on the distal end.
 7. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 6 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to the buckle of the stabilizing handle on the proximal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 8. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 6 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to at least one securing ring of the waist belt on the distal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 9. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one of the plurality of elastic resistance bands are configured to removably couple to the buckle of the stabilizing handle on the proximal end and at least one securing ring of the right thigh belt on the distal end.
 10. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 9 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to the buckle of the stabilizing handle on the proximal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 11. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 9 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to at least one securing ring of the right thigh belt on the distal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 12. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one of the plurality of elastic resistance bands are configured to removably couple to the buckle of the stabilizing handle on the proximal end and at least one securing ring of the left thigh belt on the distal end.
 13. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 12 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to the buckle of the stabilizing handle on the proximal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 14. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 12 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to at least one securing ring of the left thigh belt on the distal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 15. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one of the plurality of elastic resistance bands are configured to removably couple to the securing ring of the waist belt on the proximal end and at least one securing ring of the right thigh belt on the distal end.
 16. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 15 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to the to the securing ring of the waist belt on the proximal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 17. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 15 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to at least one securing ring of the right thigh belt on the distal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 18. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one of the plurality of elastic resistance bands are configured to removably couple to the securing ring of the waist belt on the proximal end and at least one securing ring of the left thigh belt on the distal end.
 19. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 18 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to the to the securing ring of the waist belt on the proximal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 20. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 18 whereby the at least one elastic resistance band is coupled to at least one securing ring of the left thigh belt on the distal end by means of a removable spring-loaded metal loop shackle.
 21. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one elastic resistance band has maximum resistance.
 22. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one elastic resistance band has moderate resistance.
 23. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby at least one elastic resistance band has limited resistance.
 24. The leg tuck exercise training and resistance device of claim 1 whereby the suspension member of the stabilizing handle is configured to removably affix to a cylindrical bar. 